Calling the last couple of months hectic would be an understatement. I’ve been travelling non-stop, including a list of road trips that I’ve been on, to put this issue together. Now, while I certainly enjoy it all, the back-to-back travel and shoots add to fatigue, besides keeping me away from home, and family.
Over the years I’ve realised though, that taking short breaks from work whenever possible is important, even if it’s just a short weekend trip with the family. These breaks help me bond with them and are also a good way for me to rejuvenate before travelling again! And in between all the mad travel I managed to squeeze in a short break last month, in the form of a quick staycation.
Now, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is a hotel I’ve been to and even stayed in a couple of times, for launch events and official dinners. The hotel’s location in Chakan is strategic – it is close to Chakan’s industrial area that’s home to some of India’s leading automotive brands including Bajaj Auto, the Volkswagen Group and Mercedes-Benz India. You might thus assume that Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is a business hotel, but it is a lot more than just that with its ambience.
The hotel is also just a 40-minute drive from home which had me zero down on it for the staycation. This was also going to be an opportunity for me to take the family out in our long term Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC. It’s impressed me with its luxurious feel, spaciousness and of course, the excellent range, and I feel the EQB is a brilliant luxury EV to have as a family vehicle.
The EQB 350 has been with us for a couple of months and I’ve tried to drive it as much as possible, but my incessant travel meant I wasn’t able to make the most of it in terms of family outings. On our way to Chakan, the EQB’s low NVH levels and quietness courtesy its electric powertrain felt soothing.
Given that I was with family, I wasn’t making phone calls, allowing me to experience the EQB’s 10-speaker audio system and also its calm demeanour. Like I’d said last month, the EQB 350 is a luxury EV that boasts impressive performance but one you want to drive calmly to be able to enjoy it. And interestingly, driving it to Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan was also setting the tone for the weekend, helping me feel relaxed as I drove to the hotel.
The staff at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan was warm and welcoming and helped us check-in in a jiffy. Settling down in our room, we were making plans for lunch, which turned out to be an elaborate affair in the form of the lavish buffet at the hotel’s in-house restaurant. The rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan are excellent in terms of their layout and comfort, and are very well-appointed, as you would expect of a world-class chain of hotels.
I was also informed by the staff that the hotel is frequented by the who’s who of the automobile brands based in Chakan, and top CXOs also end up staying at the property on official trips for long durations. That wasn’t the case with me though, for a change, and unlike my usual touch-and-go trips to most hotels I visit for work, this time I was able to soak in the experience of staying at an excellent hotel like the Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan!
The next morning, after having my fill at the sumptuous breakfast spread, it was time to head back home, feeling refreshed and recharged. Just like our long term EQB 350 4MATIC that I’d charged fully at the DC fast charging station right outside the hotel, which was waiting for me at the porch!
